Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Naruto or any of the manga series' characters.
Summary: Takes place a few years in the
future. Sakura is contemplating her life and friends. She is shocked to
discover that Sasuke is pursuing Ino. Sakura falls into a deep depression and
turns to controversial ways of dealing with it.
Author Notes: Chapter 3, the Ramen
Shop! Woohoo! Anything written in [ ] are the characters thoughts. That's about
it!
As the two friends walked in the pleasant weather they discussed old times and started to catch up on things. Naruto had been busy training and learning new techniques. He had even gone on a short mission and returned a few days ago. Naruto was excited to share his stories with Sakura. Ever since she'd matured and gotten past the stage of hitting him over the head every chance she got, Sakura was such enjoyable company.
"So
Sakura-chan, what have you been up to these days? I hardly see you around
anymore, you seem so quiet. What happened to that outspoken little girl I used
to know" Naruto winked and teased as he and Sakura walked leisurely towards the
Ramen restaurant.
Sakura laughed inwardly [if he only knew how insecure I felt about myself] "oh,
well you know I'll always be here to yell at you Naruto" she smiled "I've just
kept myself busy training, and reading at home"
The smile that played on her soft lips vanished for a fraction of a second before she turned to Naruto with a grin plastered on her face as she answered nonchalantly "No, I don't have time for love and romance. I need to focus on my studies and training to become a better ninja"
That comment had struck Naruto strangely. He looked at Sakura intensely. It was
STILL Sakura, but something was not right. Was this the same Sakura that would
put love about all else when they were younger? Naruto just dismissed the
feeling and laughed "hah! That sounds like something Sasuke would say, ne?"
Sakura flinched upon hearing his
name and a sudden painful pang was felt splitting through her heart. She smiled
weakly and glanced at Naruto who hadn't realized what pain he'd caused. As if
things couldn't get any worse, she stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed
who was seated on one of the stools at the noodle house. "Speak of the Devil!"
Naruto spoke as he seated himself next to Sasuke. He quickly glanced behind him
to see that Sakura was still standing there, dumbfounded. "Well don't just
stand there, come sit down with us Sakura"
Sasuke's entire body had stiffened when he heard her name. Although he did what he could to communicate with Sakura, it's like a part of her was missing. He still blamed himself for hurting her so much and he missed her company but he really had developed feelings for Ino. He had done the honorable thing of telling Sakura the truth but he feared that she hated him for it. Sasuke breathed in deeply and turned around on the small stool he was sitting on. His ebony eyes discreetly trailed up her body and met her empty, cold, and lifeless jade eyes. "Why don't you come sit down with us Sakura?" Sasuke said with great effort.
To this day the way he said her name sent shivers up Sakura's spine. "h..hai" was all she trembled in response. Sasuke still had such an immense effect on her that she decided it would probably be a better if she sat next to Naruto. Her mind was swimming with thoughts and her heart was feeling a thousand emotions. The air between them was so thick that even Naruto felt like he was being suffocated. [What is it with these two, geez] Naruto rolled his eyes, and ordered ramen for Sakura and Himself.
"Umm, will you guys excuse me for a second? I
just need to run to the bathroom" Sakura stated as she got up quickly and
walked briskly to the ladies room. As soon as she opened the door she was
fighting the tears that threatened to pool in the corners of her eyes. Sakura's
nerves were getting the best of her and she could feel here body shaking.
[Don't cry, don't cry, don'tcrydont'crydon'tcry] Sakura sat down in one of the
bathroom stalls, locked the door and pulled out the all too familiar bag filled
with her escape from reality. She grabbed her key and scooped out a large
amount of drugs on the metal, brought it to her nose and inhaled. She repeated
that another 2 times and felt the drug burn her nostrils. It was a pleasant
burn for her; she had been growing somewhat accustomed to it. She put the
little bag back in its place and unlocked the squeaky bathroom stall. She then
looked at her reflection. Her face was somewhat flushed so she washed her hands
and splashed some water on her face. She smiled, satisfied with herself and the
pleasant buzz that was now creeping up on her.
"Sakura-chan, come on! We were waiting for you. Your food is getting
cold" Naruto stated with a mouthful of ramen, his eyes smiling. As Naruto
continued shoving food in his mouth, Sasuke caught his breath and gazed at
Sakura from the corner of his eyes. She had seemed to be a bit less tense and
Sasuke relaxed and exhaled quietly when he realized it.
"Is everything alright Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, a hint of concern detected in his voice.
"Yes, I'm fine" was all Sakura had replied.
Frustrated, she tried once more, this time dropping the noodles and the
chopsticks all together. Her hands immediately covered her face as Sakura
inhaled deeply and with a shaky voice she announced very quickly "G...Gomen,
Ihavetogo..."
"Go? Go where?" a sultry female voice responded. Shocked, Sakura looked
up to see Yamanako Ino sitting right next to Sasuke with her slender arms
wrapped around his neck.
Sakura shot a glace at Sasuke, who's dark, brooding eyes were wide with
concern, pleading for her to make some sort of notion that she was going to be
alright.
AN: And I think I'll stop here...Oooh kind of a cliff hanger hey? Well knowing
me I'll end up updating soon because I never sleep. Moves back and forth
catatonically and shakes need sleep need sleep need sleep…haha now that im
done scaring everybody, hope you enjoyed the chapter.